Penygraig are cashing in on some terrific performances Local rugby

KENFIG HILL sit top of One West Central and team manager Mike Guy says they have already exceeded their own expectations.

The Mules’ 18-14 home win over Waunarlwydd was their seventh victory from 10 matches and took them two points above Maesteg Quins – although the latter do now have four games in hand.

Jon Clatworthy, Tom Jones and Tom Briggs got the Kenfig Hill tries with Cameron Hall also booting a penalty and the win – in the end a solid defensive effort – was even more notable given the fact injuries forced them to finish the game with only 13 men.

The side have now already equalled their total wins for last season where they struggled, losing 14 games and ending 10th.

“Our aim at the start of the season was a top-half finish, so it’s definitely better than expected,” said Guy.

“It was really a bit of a dogfight last year but we’re on track for where we want to be.”

Guy also hailed backs coach Marius Walters – who joined in the summer – as a massive factor behind their upturn in fortunes, while also praised burgeoning flanker Josh Dixon for his performances in what is his first year of senior rugby.

Elsewhere, a hat-trick from Rhys Gant inspired Penallta to a crushing 50-0 home victory over bottom side Abertillery B G in One East – a result that took them back to the top of the table.

Rhys Tovey was at the double while Gareth Edwards, Laurence Pritchard, Elliott Keep, Lloyd Bodman and Aeron Bidgood also had their scoring boots on.

Gant (3) and Pritchard (2) added conversions for the Pitmen who, after a ninth win from 10 matches, are now two points above Brynmawr but have played a game more. THEY have certainly made winning a habit at Penygraig.

Having been promoted as champions of Three East Central B, the Rhondda side have started the current campaign in a similar vein to how they ended the last – and currently sit top of Three East Central A.

The Graig Park club have won six of their first seven league matches and are currently on a five-game winning run.

So far they have seen off Treharris, Gwernyfed, Taffs Well, Llandaff North, Llandaff and Pontyclun while the only blot on their copybook to date was a 17-6 home defeat by Abercwmboi in their first home fixture on September 9.

That reverse ended a stunning 19-match winning run in the league, going back to October 1 last year and, even more remarkably, they are currently on a run of 14 league wins on the bounce away from home – going back to a defeat at Canton on September 10, 2016.

Aside from the league, Penygraig are also still going strong in the Glamorgan County Silver Ball and Mid District competitions while, this coming weekend, will be gunning for a place in the last 16 of the WRU National Bowl when they lock horns with St Julians HSOB of Three East B in their fourth round tie.

With the club going for glory on multiple fronts, team manager Arfon Henderson said they are delighted with the start they’ve made – but won’t be getting too carried away.

“We can’t count our chickens yet, it’s still early days,” he said.

“We didn’t think we’d do quite as well as we have; we were hoping to hold our own and maintain our position in the division and, with a little bit of luck, try and push for promotion.

“But to be where we are at this stage is a big plus and looking at the picture now, we would like to get promotion if we can, of course.

“It’s been a real team effort by the players and coaches to get us where we are, there’s a real togetherness among the squad.

“We’ve certainly had a few tough games but credit to the boys for holding out and also credit to the teams that have played us.

“We’ve lost just the one game against Abercwmboi and I wouldn’t want to take any credit off them – they beat us and that’s it.”

Penygraig have beaten Betws, Ferndale and Tylorstown on their way to the fourth round of the Bowl.

Their next league match is at home against bottom side Treharris on December 16, while currently have the edge over Taffs Well at the top courtesy of having won a game more – with the sides level on 26 points.